PLANNERS have promised to preserve the heritage and history of the site at a new housing development after one of Irvine’s most iconic buildings was reduced to rubble.

Traditionalists were shocked when the facade of the former Ravenspark Hospital, with its distinctive clock face, which was to form a central feature of the proposed luxury Ravenspark Village, was demolished after the project fell victim to the recession.

Near the end of last year the Victorian shell, along with an almost complete £600,000 block of luxury flats was razed to the ground after the developers pulled the plug on the doomed project.

But now the ground has been taken over by Glasgow-based Dundas Estates and Development Company and, said spokesman Bruce Dunlop, they will take the history of the site into consideration when they draw up their plans.

“A new planning application will be lodged imminently for the Ravenspark Village site,” said Bruce.

“This is a positive step which will see us take over an almost derelict piece of land and create much-needed employment in the area.

“We felt the original scheme was too ostentatious and what we are planning is a much more sympathetic, softer proposal which will involve building around 70 houses.

“But, at the same time, we are very aware of the history and heritage of the site and many features like the bell tower have been carefully taken down and stored in a safe place before being incorporated into the development in a manner which will reflect the significance of the area.”

A spokesman for North Ayrshire Council said planning permission to demolish the façade was granted in March 2010, largely due to the poor condition and potential hazard it caused, but no permission was required for demolition of the partially completed flats.

“Although the buildings at Ravenspark Hospital were neither listed or within a conservation area, NAC have consistently stressed their importance to the history of Irvine,” he added.

“While demolition was allowed, a recommendation has been made that stone from the façade be retained and, where possible, used in the future redevelopment of the site.”